Rose Welty

My earliest memories are of my uncle’s paintings and drawings on the walls of my parents’ home. I remember staring at them for hours, following the lines, imagining his gestures, and just looking. He was a master of pen and ink and deft with a brush. Staring at his work, I always felt there was more to see, the harder I looked, the more I found there was to see.

How do you decide what to paint?
For me, it is a line. An unusual line attracts me first. In my mind, I see that line spread out into shape. Then I start thinking about making that shape with a stroke of the brush.
That’s where I’m pulled into a piece and begin painting it.

Why do you create?
Creating enables me to communicate in ways that words never satisfy. There is a need in me to express concepts and ideas without speaking. Naturally self-conscious and shy, I am able to open myself up in my art. Creation centers me and enables me to confidently tackle the vicissitudes of life.

What draws you to your style and subject matter?
To me, understated strength is one of the most beautiful things in the world. A loose, abstracted piece that looks hastily done, but is actually the product of many years of disciplined study and practice, is the highest form of magic in art.